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Carole Mikita ReportingLate reports describe Pope John Paul II with falling blood pressure, a high fever and a urinary tract infection. Carole Mikita is at the Cathedral of the Madeleine tonight with reaction here and around the world.
A crowd gathered on the edge of St. Peter's Square after the Vatican announced Pope John Paul II has suffered another setback.
"I just wanted to come and pray for him and for our church and for all of us."
The 84-year-old Pontiff has a very high fever. Italian media reports he received an anointing of the sick, given to those seriously ill, not necessarily dying.
Marco Politi, Vatican Analyst: "This is the most dramatic moment of the last weeks. The pope is in agony, they gave him last rites. Doctors are struggling to stabilize his condition."
Priests offered prayers in Mexico's Basilica of Guadalupe. Many there have a special affection for the pope, who chose their country for the first foreign trip of his papacy in 1979. At St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, parishioners lit candles and joined in prayer to honor their beloved pontiff.
At the Cathedral of the Madeleine Utah Catholics joined their voices with millions who hope John Paul will be well again, that he is not suffering.
Father Patrick Elliott, Cathedral of the Madeleine: "The pope has been called a witness of hope and his whole pontificate has exercised that kind of presence. So what we are called to do as faithful people, of any faith, is to pray."
Many will continue to do that through the night. We also understand that Pope John Paul has told those around him he does not want to return to the hospital.
